Varona's Three-Run Homer Lifts Bulls Over Knights

DURHAM, NC - Dayron Varona hit a double and a three-run home run to help the Durham Bulls to a 6-4 win over the Charlotte Knights on Sunday at the DBAP. The Bulls (3-1) take the series against Charlotte (1-3) with three wins in the four-game set.

Austin Pruitt (1-0) struck out 11 batters for Durham in his first Triple-A start and went six innings, with three hits, no walks, and one earned run on a solo home run. Jhan Mariñez earned the save, his first of the year, with a scoreless ninth inning.

Varona came in as a defensive replacement for Jaff Decker after a collision in the outfield, and finished 2 for 3 with two runs and three RBIs. Decker hit a solo home run in his one at-bat before leaving the game. Mikie Mahtook went 1 for 4 with his second triple of the season. He only had three triples in 2015 with the Bulls.

Terance Marin (0-1) took the loss for Charlotte with two innings in relief where he allowed four earned runs, issued three walks and had two strikeouts.

The Bulls pitching staff continued its aggressive approach on the mound, with 15 strikeouts in the game. Their total stands at 52 strikeouts for the season, 14 more than the next best International League team.

Richie Shaffer and Taylor Motter saw their hitting streaks end, as they each went 0 for 3. Both reached base via walk, and will extend their on-base streaks. Motter has gotten on base in 18 straight games, dating back to August 23, 2015, and Shaffer has reached base each of the four games this season.

Left-hander Adam Wilk takes the mound for Durham as they welcome the southpaw Casey Kelly and the Gwinnett Braves to the DBAP. The Bulls and Braves are tied atop the International League South Division after four games. Tickets are available online at DurhamBulls.com, and by calling the Frontier Communications Ticket Office at 919.956.BULL.